Written answers

Thursday, 8 February 2007

Department of Foreign Affairs

EU Constitution

5:00 pm

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 70: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the meeting in Madrid on the EU constitution on 26 January 2007; the conclusions of that conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4273/07]

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 111: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the informal gathering of EU member states in Madrid regarding the EU constitutional treaty. [3921/07]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 111 together.

The Spanish and Luxembourg Governments convened an informal meeting of Ministers for European Affairs to discuss the European Constitution in Madrid on Friday, 26 January. The meeting, entitled "Friends of the European Constitution, for a better Europe," was held with a view to bolstering support for the Constitution and to assisting the German Presidency in its efforts to find a way forward. The eighteen countries that have already ratified the Constitutional Treaty, together with Portugal and Ireland as observers, participated in the meeting. Ireland was represented at the meeting by Minister of State Noel Treacy. A number of other Member States attended at official level. The meeting was a welcome opportunity to demonstrate the extensive support that exists for the Constitutional Treaty. We were pleased that participants agreed on the need to preserve the substance and balance of the Treaty; that we must support the German Presidency in their efforts to re-launch the ratification process; and that we must pursue an inclusive process taking account of the needs of all Partners.

Ireland also availed of this opportunity to re-iterate our strong commitment to the Treaty as agreed by Heads of State and Government in 2004, and also to affirm our readiness to proceed with ratification once there is clarity on the way forward at EU level. The aim of the Constitutional Treaty is to allow Europe to address more effectively the challenges of the 21st century and to meet the expectations of our citizens. It is a carefully constructed package, achieved after a long and difficult negotiating process. It will allow for a more effective, more transparent and more democratic Europe, one which is at the service of its citizens. In short, it will equip the Union to meet the challenges facing us now and into the future. We do not underestimate the difficulties standing in the way of the Constitution's ratification, but we do believe it is important for those who support the 2004 text to set out their views clearly and publicly, as was done at the informal Ministerial meeting in Madrid.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.